Does USCIS require a minimum citation score?

No. USCIS does not set a minimum citation score or count to approve an EB-2 NIW petition. There is no fixed cutoff to meet, so having few citations does not, by itself, disqualify a strong case.

What truly matters is the quality and impact of your work and its relevance to an area of national interest, such as the economy, science, education, or culture. A higher volume of citations may indicate that your work influences the field, but it is only one signal among many.

The review is conducted individually and as a whole. Elements commonly considered in the evaluation include:

• Recommendation letters from recognized experts.
• Awards and distinctions in your field.
• Professional achievements and notable contributions.

In other words, what draws the examiner’s attention is how these factors come together to demonstrate the value of your work, not an isolated citation count. Because criteria are read case by case, it is worth checking the latest guidance on the USCIS website and reviewing your profile with a specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.